JP6550056B2 - System for automatic detection in a beverage preparation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system comprising a beverage preparation device adapted to receive at least one first type of replaceable supply pack comprising a first type of dispenser, said system comprising: Automation detecting at least one of the presence of the first type of supply pack and the presence of the product in the first type of replaceable supply pack, and the second type of supply pack comprising the second type of dispenser Provided with means for

  Beverage service providers are distributing their beverages through automatic preparation machines in most offices, public venues and other places. Such beverage preparation devices may include a coffee machine for preparing a warm beverage or a post-mix juice preparation or vending machine for juice products after mixing. When operating these beverage preparation devices, the ease of use is of great importance not only to the consumer but also to the supplier. In the delivery process, service providers are challenged to minimize human interference for cost, efficiency and reduction of obstacles, and to maximize the degree of automation. The present invention provides a robust, easy-to-use, fail-safe, cost-effective system for the support of automated processes for providing beverages.

  The identification of the identification of the pack in the beverage apparatus and the identification of the supply are disclosed in several documents, for example in DE-A 102008055949 and US-A-2005 / 022674. While each of the prior art supply detection means is reasonably effective, they all require considerable effort with regard to the sensors and embedded electronic systems that need to be sensitive and accurate. The defects of such sensors and electronic systems not only in their incorporation into these devices, but also with regard to product supply packs which must be compatible with one another, they are relatively costly and cause great attention to detail. It is to request.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to propose an improved system for automatically performing supply detection, for example pack-in place and product availability detection. It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art in a more general sense. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an alternative system which is easy to handle in assembly and operation and which can be made relatively inexpensive.

  To this end, the invention provides a system as defined in the claims. Such feed detection means have the advantage of being relatively simple and reliable. The invention further provides a reliable and possibly fail-safe identification between the individual signals generated by the first and second detectors when the transmitter is used.

More particularly, the invention relates to a beverage preparation device suitable for receiving at least one replaceable supply pack first type comprising a first type of dispenser and a product to be supplied in operation of the system. A system comprising: at least one detection for automatically detecting the presence of a first type of the replaceable supply pack and a product in the first type of the replaceable supply pack. Equipped with
The above detection means
A first interface for loading into the aircraft,
A second interface on the first type of the first type of dispenser of the replaceable supply pack, operably connectable to the first interface;
A transmitter on said first interface for emitting radiation,
A first detector on the first interface for detecting the presence of a product in a first type of exchangeable supply pack, and for detecting an existence of a first type of exchangeable supply pack A second detector on the first interface,
And the second interface on the first type of the dispenser can be received between the transmitter and both the first and second detectors, the radiation emitted by the transmitter And the second interface of the first type of the dispenser
In use, a first substantially transparent element placed between the transmitter and the first detector, and, in use, a second placed between the transmitter and the second detector At least one supply pack comprising a substantially opaque element, and wherein the system further comprises a second type of dispenser operated as the second interface operably connectable to the first interface A second type, and having first and second elements that can be received between the transmitter and the first and second detectors and that interfere with the radiation emitted by the transmitter; The second type of dispenser provides the above system, having both a first element and a substantially opaque second element.

  Systems having two different types of dispensers, in particular those including such second type dispensers and interchangeable supply packs, offer a number of attractive advantages. The beverage preparation device comprises both pack placement detection (PIP) and product availability detection (PAD), the product availability detection being optional. Users of beverage systems of the type described herein will also notice an empty supply pack through the apparent lack of beverage ingredients in the beverage prepared by the beverage preparation device. In the case of a clear beverage component, it is not even possible to use the first detector in the detection of product availability in the dispenser. Also, the opacity of the first element can provide an economic advantage over the first element being transparent or translucent. For example, with the first element being opaque, the second type of metering and supply pack always mimic product availability. Such an alternative feature is, for example, when the second doser and the supply pack are reliable, or the second doser is arranged to form a new supply pack of the second type. Can be handy when assembled. Thus, depending on the environment, it may be advantageous for the system to comprise the supply pack of the second type.

  In certain embodiments, discontinuing the use of a particular liquid beverage component from the prism and a third optical detector disposed perpendicular to the axis extending between the light source and the first detector. It is also possible. Also under such conditions, the second type of alternative metering may be a prerequisite for the proper operation of the system.

  Furthermore, it may be inconvenient to have an empty pack detection (PAD device) in operation when the beverage machine is used to fill a coffee pot rather than a full consumption service. Also, in such situations, the second type of alternative supply pack may be convenient.

The present invention also provides a kit as follows. A kit of parts comprising a container housing of a second type of dispenser and of a second type of the at least one supply pack, wherein the second type of dispenser is the dispenser of the system according to the invention And a drive port and a component output port on its bottom surface, and a projecting substantially opaque housing portion,
The above kit.
The projecting substantially opaque housing portion is a portion of the projecting housing portion of the first type of the standard dispenser, such as the sample chamber and the projecting housing portion of the first type of dispenser. It differs in the sense that some are transparent.

  Also, obtaining an alternative replaceable supply pack of the second type through a variant of the first type of exchangeable supply pack is a first substantially transparent element, for example the first of the metering device. It is possible by making an upper part of the type or sample chamber, a light absorber. This may be done, for example, by providing a coating or coating that darkens the associated transparent portion, by providing a light absorbing cover, or by some other means of removing the sensor of the device interface.

  A second type of such a doser is additionally included in the second type of supply pack and is recoverable by allowing it to be disassembled from the used supply pack container housing And may be provided as a separate unit which is reused in the replacement container housing to form a new supply pack of the second type. Reuse of the second type of dispenser can be beneficial to the environment by saving waste and raw materials.

  The system comprises a replaceable supply pack with a beverage preparation device and a dispenser, which pack is adapted to contain the product to be supplied in operation of the system. The system automates the detection of the presence and contents of the first type of replaceable supply pack in the beverage preparation device. The system may use light detection for automated detection of pack placement and product availability. An advantage of this system is that there is no physical contact between the first and second interfaces.

  The system uses radiation, eg light, for automated detection and identification. More specifically, the system may comprise several light sources and detectors in combination with transparent and opaque elements which are part of the first type of dispenser.

By measuring the emission of detection light in the pack configuration and the presence of the emitted light on the light detector, the system determines the absence or correct / misplacement of the supply pack. More specifically, the supply pack is absent or not properly placed when the light passes through unhindered ones. This works for both the first and second types of dispensers in the present invention.

Product Availability Detection By detecting the intensity of light passing through the first type of transparent element of the dispenser, the system identifies the degree of presence of the product in the first type of supply pack.
Components for determining the existence of a pack and a product

The means presented for supply detection uses two light detectors. A transparent element of the first type of dispenser is arranged between the transmitter and the first detector. The opaque element of the doser is arranged between the transmitter and the second detector. This measure provides a failsafe identification between the individual signals generated by the first and second detectors. Examples of transmitters include infrared light transmitters or light emitting diodes (LEDs).
The system may be arranged to verify that the signal generated by the first detector is below or above a predetermined threshold. Also, when the first detector detects radiation above a predetermined threshold in combination with a second detector that produces substantially no signal, the elapsed time after activation is that the pack being placed is empty or It is believed to determine if it is filled but not yet opened.
The division of the detection into two sensors requires cost-effectiveness, reliability and simplicity, in contrast to single sensors which need to be very accurate and are therefore expensive Enable various detection methods.

  It has also been found that the end point of product availability can be physically indicated by the presence of air in the prepared liquid product. The detection system uses the change in refractive index between the liquid and air to amplify the presence of air in the fluid passing through the pump. Thus, it is only required that the transparent element of the first doser is an optical element, such that such an optical element can only be used to redirect the light incident on this optical element Is advantageous. The optical element can be any shape or feature that utilizes the difference in refractive index between fluid and air. The presence of liquid in the transparent element of the first doser causes light from the transmitter to travel into the liquid and be detected by the first detector. When air is present in the transparent element, the light is redirected. The deflected light is preferably detected by a third detector. Preferably, the first detector is arranged substantially linearly on the common axis with the transmitter and the third detector is oriented perpendicularly to the common axis. More preferably, the optical element is a prism. Most preferably, the prism comprises a plurality of prism facets 71. The third detector may be a reflection sensor.

  The system uses a replaceable supply pack comprising the fluid substance used to prepare the beverage for the user. The fluid substance may include, but is not limited to, coffee extract, tea extract, chocolate beverage, milk, flavor, juice and / or concentrates thereof.

  An example of a replaceable supply pack is a bag-in-box type pack or a rigid container as disclosed in WO 2011/049446. One example of a dispenser is as disclosed in WO 2011/037464. The entire housing of the doser can be used as a second interface. Alternatively, only a portion of the doser includes the second interface.

  In another embodiment, the first type of replaceable supply pack may additionally be provided with a removable or penetrable seal, which seals the first type of dispenser as the actual fluid. Separate from the body of the replaceable supply pack forming a container. This seal covers the outlet opening of the actual fluid container and is automatically broken by pushing off the mechanically pierced or removable seal when the doser is fully engaged with the device interface. This automatic opening system is disclosed on the Internet published on April 12, 2011; http://pdfcast.org/pdf/auto-broaching. The second type of replaceable supply pack may be pre-punched or hand-punched when the replacement container is assembled with the second type of dispenser. Alternatively, the device provides an alternative opening means.

  In yet another embodiment, the doser and the replaceable supply pack may be two separate elements, whereby the doser is connectable to the replaceable supply pack.

  The system of the present invention is described by the use of a feed detection device for one replaceable feed pack comprising a doser. However, the beverage preparation device may comprise more than one replaceable supply pack. Thus, the system of the invention may comprise one or more means for providing automatic detection depending on the number of replaceable supply packs in the system.

The use of the expressions "substantially transparent" and "substantially opaque" should not be construed as limiting the present invention. These expressions, as used herein, are understood to refer to the possibility of seeing through, allowing light to pass through and effectively shielding all light. Be done. These terms mean that one element can pass more radiation than the other . Another term for "transparent" may be "translucent". Another term for "opaque" may be "reflective."

  Detailed aspects and further advantages of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a supply detection device according to the invention, having a replaceable supply pack with a metering, completely and correctly inserted. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the device interface of the detection device with a replaceable supply pack with a dosing device which has not yet been inserted. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the device interface with a replaceable supply pack with a metering, which is not completely inserted. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the device interface with a replaceable supply pack with a doser, completely and correctly inserted. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a first type of inserted replaceable supply pack with an empty or empty metering. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment having a removable seal within a first type of replaceable supply pack that has not yet been opened. FIG. 5 is an illustration showing the reading of the detector over time of the first type of pack placement detection (PIP) and product availability detection (PAD) of the dosing device. FIG. 7 is a side view of one alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a supply detection device according to the invention; FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the main components of one alternative of the first type of dispenser for the system according to the invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the assembled doser of FIG. 11 equipped with an optical detection device that is part of a beverage preparation device. It is explanatory drawing of the prism operation | movement in the case of air. It is explanatory drawing of the prism operation | movement in the case of water FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the detailed prism operation of the stepped prism design. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the general apparatus of the optical system of FIG. 12; It is a detailed sectional view in the expansion scale of a flow divider. (A) and (B) in the figure are respectively a perspective view and a plan view showing the dispenser without the supply pack inserted in its home position with respect to a part of the beverage preparation device carrying the optical sensor device . FIG. 7 is a detailed partial perspective view showing a detection tab for pack approach detection. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a gear pinion that is about to engage the drive shaft of the beverage preparation device. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dispenser suspended in a position of large approach distance. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a dosing device suspended in a position of small approach distance. FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of a second type of alternative replaceable dispenser and a second type of alternative supply pack. FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of a loading channel for receiving a pack of beverage preparation devices. FIG. 9 is a side view similar to FIG. 8 of a second type of alternative metering device of the invention. Figure 19 is a perspective view similar to Figure 9 of the second type of dispenser of Figure 22;

  Preferred embodiments of the invention use dual detection of light rays emitted by a single transmitter, such as infrared (IR) rays, to detect product placement and product availability. It is explicitly implied that transmitters and sensors in other frequency ranges of the spectrum can also be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, suitable detection means include infrared detection with one single infrared transmitter 3 and first and second detectors 5, 7 rather than only one as in the prior art system It may be the device 1. A first or upper detector 5 with an infrared transmitter 3 for detecting product availability is a proven technology and has been used in the detection system for a long time. The second or lower detector 7 is used to detect whether a replaceable supply pack 9 with a dosing device 11 is arranged. The detection device 1 is part of a system comprising a beverage preparation device (not shown but conventional) and at least one replaceable supply pack comprising a doser 11. Such a device comprises at least one first or device interface 13 for receiving at least one replaceable supply pack 9 in at least one position. The dispenser 11 comprises a fluid connector and a dispensing mechanism, such as a pump (not shown) and acts as a second or pack interface.

  As discussed with reference to FIGS. 2-6, detection is possible with the device according to FIG. In FIG. 2 and in the following FIGS. 3 to 6, the arrows drawn at the transmitter 3 and the first and second detectors 5, 7 schematically indicate the activity of the transmitter or of the respective detectors.

  In FIG. 2 the situation is illustrated in which the entire exchangeable supply pack 9 with the doser 11 has not yet been received between the transmitter 3 and the first and second detectors 5, 7. Each of the first and second detectors is now exposed to the unobstructed radiation of the transmitter 3. This is a feature of the situation where no puck exists. The dispenser 11 acts as a second or pack interface to cooperate with the first or device interface 13.

  In FIG. 3 the entire supply pack 9 is shown with the dispenser 11 of the replaceable supply pack 9 partially inserted between the transmitter 3 and the first detector 5. There is. The dispenser 11 has an upper portion 11A that is substantially transparent. The dispenser 11 further has a lower part 11B. The lower portion 11B of the dispenser 11 is substantially opaque. As shown in FIG. 3, when the first detector 5 does not detect any radiation from the transmitter and at the same time the second detector 7 detects the unobstructed radiation from the transmitter 3, puck It can be determined that 9 is not correctly inserted.

  In FIG. 4 it is shown that the entire pack 9 is properly inserted with the upper part 11A facing the first detector 5 and the lower part 11B facing the second detector 7 It is done. In this case, the pack 9 is completely filled with the liquid product. In this case, the upper part 11A is filled with the liquid content of the pack 9. The light emitted from the transmitter 3 is detected by the first detector 5 through the substantially transparent upper portion 11A and the semitransparent liquid. This results in the signal generated by the first detector being below the typical threshold (product availability) for liquid detection. The second detector 7 receives no radiation from the transmitter 3 because of the opacity of the lower part 11 B of the dispenser 11. This can be interpreted as a properly inserted filled pack.

  In FIG. 5, the same situation as in FIG. 4 is shown here except that the pack 9 has reached an empty state. Here, a transmitter in which the partially semi-permeable liquid product sinks below the level of the first detector 5, which is now interrupted only by the transparent outer wall of the upper part 11A. It receives radiation from 3. This results in the different signal generated by the first detector 5 being above the predetermined threshold, which is typical for the empty upper part 11A.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the pack 9 additionally comprises a removable or pierceable seal 15, which seal 15 forms the actual fluid container. Divide the upper portion 11A from the main body. This seal 15 covers the outlet opening of the actual fluid container and is automatically by mechanical penetration or pushing of the removable seal 15 when the dispenser 11 is fully engaged with the device interface 13 It is brooched. As shown in FIG. 6, removal of the seal 15 was not performed properly and therefore liquid did not enter the upper part 11A. This results in a combined reading of the first and second detectors 5, 7 different from that in the situation of FIG. 4 and hence it can be detected that the opening of the pack 9 was unsuccessful. Basically, the combined readings of the first and second detectors 5, 7 are the same as the situation of the puck pack (FIG. 5), but the diagnosis that the mouth is not opened is It can be related to the last puck insertion operation which leads to various changes in reading.
The available detector readings are summarized in Table 1.

  As shown in Table 1, there are two possible states. It is also possible to make use of the device's interaction with the pack compartment door or hatch to distinguish between these states. That is, it is possible that such a door is closed or the device is in the starting state when this detector reading occurs to give a high priority to the "unopened" condition. . It is also possible to start the device in order to try to open the pack seal again, even if it has already been opened early. If, for example, after 2 seconds no fluid has entered the dosing chamber of the upper part 11A, a valid conclusion is made that the pack 9 is empty.

  Alternatively, the diagnosis of unopened and empty packs may also be related to the time interval elapsed since the device was last switched on.

  By plotting the signals of the first and second detectors 5, 7 against time, it can be determined whether the puck is placed or removed. This is illustrated in FIG. 7, where a schematic reading of the detector over time is shown for pack placement detection (PIP) and product availability detection (PAD) and the resulting diagnosis is shown It is done.

失敗モードにおいて、送信器が最早いかなる光も伝達しない、またはセンサが光をもはや検出しない場合に、このことは、配量時にパック存在部分の光減衰が１００％ではなく例えば６０％〜７０％であるシステムにおいて検出されうることは明白である。 A further requirement is to perform the product availability and / or pack placement detection described above for the misplaced pack in a failsafe manner. In order to make the detection fail safe, the effective detection range is between 0% and 100%, which is a typical failure mode for these detector types. An appropriate test routine may be provided by disconnecting the sensor or transmitter. In order to create a fail-safe path in this, it is further proposed that the dispenser block the light for example by 70% instead of 100% to detect the presence of the puck. When 100% inhibition is detected, something may have happened, such as a detector or transmitter failure. An example is given in Table 2 which also includes a typical failure mode of the detector.

In the failure mode, if the transmitter no longer transmits any light, or the sensor no longer detects light, this means that the light attenuation of the puck present part is not 100% but, for example, 60% to 70% at the time of dosing. It is obvious that it can be detected in certain systems.

  Figures 8 and 9 show one alternative embodiment in side view and perspective view. This embodiment is a dispenser according to the principle as disclosed in WO 2011/037746. The two required elements, the fluid connection and the dosing mechanism, are located, for example, in addition to the inlet and the outlet of the dosing, which comprises a pump (not shown). The dispenser 11 has an upper portion 11A that is substantially transparent and is filled with the liquid content of a pack 9 (not shown). The dispenser 11 further comprises a lower part 11B. The lower portion 11B of the dispenser 11 is substantially opaque. FIG. 9 shows a spout 17 for connecting the dispenser 11 to a replaceable supply pack. FIG. 10 shows a supply detection device 1 according to the invention to which the dispenser according to FIGS. 8 and 9 is adapted. It clearly shows the transmitter 3 and the first and second detectors 5, 7.

  An alternative dosing device 31 is shown in FIG. A first substantially transparent element or sample chamber 49 can be seen protruding from the right hand side of the doser 31. The stepped / sawtooth structure 51 provides the optical elements of the system, as described below. The dispenser further comprises a bottom housing 39, a pump housing 41 and a top cap 43. The bottom housing 39 is the main housing of the dispenser 31. The pump contained in the pump housing 41 is a gear pump with interengaging gear pinions 45, 47. One of the pair of gear pinions 45, 47 is arranged for coupling to the drive shaft of the beverage preparation device.

  The pump housing 41 comprises the body of the gear pump and both the inlet and outlet holes for the pump. In a particular embodiment, the extension 55 in the fluid flow path 53 can be seen on the right hand side of the pump housing 41, as described herein. The extension 55 functions as a shunt. This diverter 55 allows the product drawn into the pump to pass through the first substantially transparent element in the sample chamber 49 in the form of this figure and through the field of view of the optical system described below Guarantee that. However, it should be understood that the shunt is an optical element that is not essential to the operation of the optical system.

  The top cap 43 rests on the bottom housing 39. The top cap 43 is used to attach the dispenser 31 to a replaceable supply pack (not shown but in the prior art).

  FIG. 12 shows the dispenser 31 of FIG. 11 in the assembled state and in position relative to the detection device. The end point of product availability (the presence of liquid) in this alternative embodiment of the dispenser 31 is physically indicated by the presence of air in the liquid product when dispensed. The detection system uses the change in refractive index between the liquid and air to amplify the presence of air in the fluid flowing into the pump. An example of this optical effect is shown schematically in FIG.

  Light from an external light source 57 is directed towards a prism 59 which forms part of the sample chamber 49. Here, the prism 59 acts as an optical element, which may be an element in any shape or configuration that utilizes the difference in refractive index between fluid and air. The only requirement is that such an optical element can be used to redirect the light incident on the optical element. The light from the light source 57 passes through the outer wall 61 but is reflected from the inner inner wall 63 when air is present in the sample chamber 49 (see FIG. 13A). The reflected light then exits the prism 59 where it is detected by a third detector, for example a reflection sensor 65.

  The presence of liquid in the sample chamber 49 (see FIG. 13B) alters the index of refraction at the inner inner wall 63 so that light travels into the liquid rather than being reflected. . Light emerging from the distal chamber wall 67 is detected by a first or upper detector, for example a transfer sensor 69.

  To reduce cost and improve fabrication, the solid prisms 59 of the schematic FIGS. 13A and 13B are replaced by the set of small prism facets 71 shown in FIG. 13C. In the described embodiment, the prism facets 71 form a stepped sawtooth structure 51 on the outside of the inner wall 63 of the sample chamber 49. In another possible embodiment, the entire housing of the dispenser will be used as a sample chamber. The prism facets would then be contained within the side wall of the housing.

  The prism facets 71 operate to amplify the presence of air in the sample chamber by switching light towards the reflection sensor 65 when air is present on the inner wall 63. Another way to improve the detection is to monitor various sensors during the pump cycle. Usually, such an internal reflection sensor 65 would be used as a static device in that only the presence of air is tested before or after the preparation cycle.

  The viscous and non-uniform nature of some liquids, especially liquid coffee, makes such an approach problematic. By monitoring the reflection and transfer sensors 65, 69 while the pump is operating, it is possible to detect air bubbles trapped in the liquid. The careful design of the metering 31 makes it possible to ensure that the trapped bubbles pass through the field of view of the sensor. Another design consideration ensures that the bubbles are forced into contact with the inner wall 63 of each of the prism facets 71. This acts to improve detection and to clean the interior surface of the produced product.

  In the schematic example described above, referring to FIGS. 13A and B, a solid triangular prism 59 is used as an optical element in the system. The angle of the inner wall 63 is chosen as a function of the different refractive indices of the air and the liquid to be measured. The angle is determined by optical analysis. Under ideal conditions of air in the sample chamber 49, all light is reflected to the reflection sensor 65 placed at 90 degrees to the incident light. Tests with various molding techniques have shown that the optical properties are relatively unaffected by the lancing of the surface properties. Thus, the detection technique could also use solid prisms. FIG. 13 (C) shows a stepped prism design using multiple facets 71. In fact, it is preferred that small volumes of plastic be used. The solid prism 59 is implemented using a set of small triangular facets 71. These facets 71 form a step shape 51, as shown in FIG. 13 (C). Again, the angle of the inner surface or wall 63 is optimized through analysis. The size of the step shape is a function of the output angle of the light transfer source 57 and the input angle of the reflection sensor 65. The facet steps 71 are typically 90 degrees (but can be optimized if desired). The surface finish should be flat and smooth to prevent surface scattering / lensing effects. Analysis showed that certain drafts on either or both surfaces had no significant impact on the properties. The design is quite possible to change due to manufacturing tolerances.

In this embodiment, a diverter 55 is optionally employed to ensure correct operation in that the product must pass in front of the detection system as it is pumped. A shunt 55 is added in the flow path 53 of the pump to ensure that the product is pulled through the sample chamber area 49. The shunt 55 does not disturb the existing pump inlet opening size. A side view of the shunt is shown in FIG. The fractionator 55 offers several advantages as follows:
-It directs the flow of the product, and in particular air bubbles in front of the reflection sensor 65;
-It is aligned in one axis to ensure that the air bubble contacts the inner wall 63 of the prism facet 71;
-It does not interfere with the field of view of the sensor, because it allows light to be passed directly through the transparent plastic of the diverter 55 to the transfer sensor 69, hence the signal to noise ratio of the system To reduce; and / or
It is designed in terms of shape and position in order to achieve the above and guide the fluid into contact with the prism facets to provide a "clean" action on the inside of the prism facets.

  As mentioned above, the dispenser 31 forms part of a replaceable supply pack embodied as a bag-in-box consumable. The pack is placed in the coffee machine / preparation apparatus where the optical detection system is located. The doser 31 is shown in FIG. 16 and is engaged with the interface portion 73 of the preparation device. The metering 31 thereby acts as a pack interface. The installation of handles and other features is not shown to simplify FIG. Optical components are placed in the preparation device interface portion 73 around the cavity 74 containing the sample chamber 49 with the prism facets 71. Looking at FIG. 16 (B) on the right side, the light source 57 is placed to the right of the prism facet 71, as can be understood in conjunction with FIGS. The reflection sensor 65 is placed directly above the prism facet 71 (as illustrated in FIG. 16B), while the transfer sensor 69 is placed to the left of the prism facet 71. Another function of the optical system is to confirm that the replaceable supply pack has been properly loaded into the preparation device. In this regard, another pack placement (PIP) sensor 75 is located to the left of the prism facet 71 below the transfer sensor 69, as shown in FIG.

  Thus, the preparation device comprises a detection system as shown in FIG. 12 and has a number of advantages as described below. The transmitted light source 57 for the detection system may be a light emitting diode (LED). Infrared LEDs (wavelength ~ 880 nm) are preferred to give maximum penetration to the product. However, the system also operated at another wavelength and was successfully tested at 650 nm. In general, light emitting diodes (LEDs) having a wavelength in the range of 500 nm to 950 nm, preferably in the range of 650 nm to 880 nm, are suitable.

  The preferred wavelength is a function of the spectral absorption characteristics of the product. In the most commonly used transmission-only type system (glowing through the product), the wavelength will be adjusted to cause maximum attenuation when the product is present. As noted above, sticking of the product on the sidewalls can make this approach problematic.

  For the proposed detection system, the wavelength is chosen such that maximum transmission can be achieved. This allows light entering the sample chamber 49 to penetrate any existing membrane that will obscure the air bubbles behind. Another advantage of the infrared light source is that it is not easily detected by the consumer during pack replacement.

  The second aspect of the transmit LED is its output beam angle. Illumination of the side wall of the sample chamber 49 with a wide angle light source will cause light to propagate into or around the transparent plastic side wall of the dosing assembly 31. This light can exit the side wall in various parts of the dispenser in an uncontrollable manner and can create a path into the sensor in a fairly uncontrollable manner. The result is that the sensor detects some form of signal when there is practically nothing (the signal to noise ratio is decreasing). To cope with this, the output angle of the LED should be as narrow as possible, preferably about + / 3 degrees (total beam width of half value light power is 6 degrees). Increasing the output angle tends to cause performance degradation due to uncontrollable scattering of light.

  When air is present against the inner wall 63 of the prismatic facet 71, internal reflection will occur to bend the light from the LED light source 57 towards the reflection sensor 65 by 90 degrees. Reflections will occur at the membrane / air interface if a film of the product is present between the air and the sidewall. Although some damping and scattering will occur at this membrane / air interface, the performance of the system is still sufficient to provide a reliable indication of the bubble passing through the system. The space between the inner wall 63 and the flow divider 55 is of significance in order to ensure that the air bubbles exert sufficient force against the side wall to ensure that the film of the product is optically thin. There is.

FIG. 14 is a detailed explanatory view of the optical system. The reflection sensor 65 is selected to match the wavelength of the LED light source 57. The detection angle should be reasonably wide to allow integration of the signal coming from the inner surface 63 of the prism. However, the acceptance angle should not be so wide as to be able to collect stray light from other parts of the dispenser 31. An acceptance angle of 16-24 degrees (corresponding to half power optical power +/- 8 to +/- 12 degrees) is recommended.
For optimal system performance, the LED light source 57 and the reflection and transfer sensors 65, 69 should be aligned on the same horizontal plane. The reflection sensor should be placed at 90 degrees to the LED axis (Figure 12). The exact position of the sensor in the horizontal plane should be optimized.
The transfer sensor 69 collects any light passing through the sample chamber 49 when a fluid product is present. The parameters of the transfer sensor 69 are similar to those of the reflection sensor 65 in terms of wavelength and acceptance angle. Again for optimum performance, the transfer sensor 69 should be placed on the same axis as the LED light source 57.

  Simultaneous detection of both reflection and transmission makes it possible to carry out a more detailed evaluation of the product. For example, relatively clear products, such as thin liquid espresso, will be mainly detected by the transfer sensor 69. Products with high opacity and scattering properties, such as milk, will also show some signal on the reflection sensor 65. These changes in characteristics (whether dynamic or static) may make it possible to identify the product contained in the replaceable supply pack. This may then allow the consumer to place the pack at any location in a multi-pack preparation device that receives multiple replaceable supply packs. The preparation device can then determine the type of product from the presented optical signal.

  In the preparation device, i.e. at its interface part 73, in the absence of the dispenser 31, the transfer sensor 69 directly detects the output of the LED light source 57, while the reflection sensor 65 receives no signal at all. I will. This sensor reading can be used by the automatic calibration software to look for changes in the maximum signal level, where the change may represent possible contamination of the system.

  The presence of the empty doser 31 will result in the reflection sensor 65 receiving the maximum signal level and the transfer sensor 69 receiving the minimum signal. Again, automatic calibration may be performed at this point. This state is also used to initiate the pump start-up procedure.

  If the used pack is placed in the preparation device, the reflection sensor and / or the transmission sensor 65, 69 will receive a reduced signal level. In this case, the pump start-up procedure need not be initiated.

Dynamic measurement is another feature of the detection system that cooperates with the doser 31. Known fluid product availability sensor systems use static measurement systems. One example is a float sensor in a fluid tank. In such systems, the sensor allows the pump to operate as long as there is sufficient fluid available to keep the float switch closed. The nature of the fluid product used in the replaceable supply pack according to the invention excludes a simple static detection system. During the metering cycle (which may be multiple days), a thick film of product may be formed on the sidewalls of the sample chamber 49. This thick formation fogs the transfer detector 69, resulting in a false indication of product availability.
The dynamic system developed with the prism 59 (i.e. the prism facet 71) and the diverter 55 mainly relies on the detection of air bubbles trapped in the product. These air bubbles passing through the sensor system sweep against the inner wall 63 of the prism facet 71, which results in short pulses of light refracting towards the reflection sensor 65. These pulses are easily detected during the pump cycle.

  A dynamic measurement algorithm tests the sensor system during the pump cycle and evaluates the percentage of the pump cycle that is aerated. The threshold that can be adjusted determines when an unacceptable amount of air passes through the system. At this point, the product is given a warning as being no longer available (end of pack). A further feature of the dispenser 31 is a second substantially opaque element 77 (FIG. 17) for squeezing movement and PIP (pack placement) sensing. When the pack is placed in the preparation device, the spline drive shaft 79 of the preparation device pump drive must engage with the pinion 45 of the pump mechanism of the dispenser 31 (FIG. 18). The problem may be defined as that the drive member, for example the pinion 45 of the gear pump, has to be pressed into engagement with the spline shaft 79 which will drive the pinion 45. Both the drive shaft 79 and the pinion 45 have a moderate amount of friction. When the splines 81 of the spline drive shaft 79 are not linear with the mating formations 83 on the pinion 45, a solution is needed to align both without causing damage to the splines 81 or mating formations 83 on both parts. Be done. This engagement is facilitated if the drive shaft 79 is oscillating back and forth at about +/− 40 degrees according to the arrows 85, 87 shown in FIG. According to the proposed solution, the PIP (pack placement) sensor 75 detects when the pinion 45 is brought close to the drive shaft 79 and in this case the drive shaft 79 is moved slightly in steps. This lasts one second after the PIP sensor 75 detects the presence of the pinion 45 by the second substantially opaque element, detection tab 77 (FIG. 17) in this figure. This selected solution for simplifying the engagement between the driving and driven members 79, 45 is effective without the need for human attention. FIG. 17 shows a detection tab 77 for the drive shaft approach and for initiating "jiggle". A detection tab 77 is placed at the bottom of the sample chamber 49 to aid in early detection of the dispenser 31 approaching the spline drive shaft 79 of the instrument. The tab 77 is dimensioned to ensure that light from the LED light source 57 to the transfer sensor 69 is obscured while the spline drive shaft 79 is lowered prior to engagement with the pinion 45 of the dispenser 31. And arranged. The tab 77 is used by the PIP sensor 75 to detect an approaching pack. When the pack is placed in the preparation device, the drive splines 81 of the preparation device drive shaft 79 must engage with the pump pinion 45 of the dispenser 31. This engagement is more easily achieved if the drive shaft 79 is rotated back and forth several degrees, and the metering 31 engages the associated spline 81. This periodically oscillating rotation is referred to above as "wiggle movement".

  Another aspect of the LED light source 57 and the transfer sensor 69 is positioned to allow them to detect the bottom of the sample chamber 49 of the doser before the spline shaft 79 engages the pump mechanism. It must be done. This detection initiates a step movement. The tab 77 is processed to be opaque or opaque, and a transfer sensor 69 is added to the bottom of the sample chamber 49 to ensure that the housing is detected at the correct point in the downward cycle. ing.

  The engagement between the splined shaft 79 and the metering housing 39 is shown in FIGS. The shaft 79 meets the bottom surface of the dispenser when the dispenser 31 is at a first distance of 8.8 mm (in this example) above its home position. The splines 81 on the shaft 79 only engage the pinion 45 at a second distance indicating the last 3.9 mm (in this example) of the downward cycle. The step movement needs to start between the first and second distances. The engagement sequence is described in more detail below.

  FIG. 18 shows the spline engagement of the pump pinion 45 of the dispenser 31, while the subsequent pack position detection is shown in FIG. Another PIP (pack placement) sensor 75 is located below the transfer sensor 69 as a final check on the system readiness. This sensor is activated when the dispenser 31 is in the fully loaded home position. The PIP sensor 75 is positioned such that sufficient light from the LED light source 57 is detected when the pack is not placed. When properly placed, the tab 77 at the bottom of the sample chamber 49 obscures the PIP sensor 75, thereby providing an indication that the pack can be fully installed and operated (see also FIG. 17).

  As mentioned above, the transfer sensor 69 and the LED light source 57 should be on the same axis. To allow sufficient light to reach the PIP (pack placement) sensor (75), and to ensure that it is activated at the correct position, the transmission sensor (69) slightly off axis It may be necessary to move it out. In this case, great care should be taken to ensure that the performance of the product availability detection (PAD) system is not compromised. Ray tracking and subsequent testing is recommended to ensure that the system retains the desired product availability detection performance.

  The sequence of lowering of the package with the dispenser 31 which is used to activate the stride movement and to indicate that the pack is in place is shown in FIGS. At a third distance of 10 mm (in this example) above the home position, light to the transfer sensor 69 has already been blocked by the tab 77 on the sample chamber 49. As mentioned earlier, the shaft 79 eventually meets the housing 39 at this point.

  In FIG. 19, the dispenser 31 is shown lowered to a position of a third distance (FIG. 19A) of 10 mm and a fourth distance (FIG. 19B) of 5 mm (in this example). The transmission sensor 69 is completely obscured by about 5 mm, but is still sufficiently forward of the second distance of 3.8 mm of engagement of the drive shaft and the gear pinion 45. The PIP (pack placement) sensor 75 now begins to be obscured at this point as well. At a fifth distance of 2.5 mm (in this example), the PIP (pack placement) sensor 75 is completely obscured. The mounting handle (not shown but prior art) advantageously has a spring mounted "over center" operation and helps to drive the dispenser 31 into its fully lowered home position Will.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the second type 119 of the projecting dispenser of the second type 113 of the alternative supply pack or cartridge comprises a plurality of lateral pivoting stud projections 121, 123 on opposite sides. Have. The second type 113 of the alternative replaceable supply pack has a container housing 115 arranged to contain the product to be supplied by the operation of the system. On the bottom of the dispenser 119, the drive port 125 and the component outlet port 127 are present. The component outlet port 127 comprises a flexible resilient annular seal 129. The dispenser 119 further includes a projecting housing portion 131. Unlike the sample chamber 49 or the transparent upper portion 11A of a standard dispenser described above, the protruding housing portion 131 is substantially opaque. The projecting housing portion 131 forms the upper part of the dispenser 119 which is substantially opaque and adapted to be filled with the product to be supplied. The dispenser 119 further has a lower tab 132 which is substantially opaque and which is dependent on the projecting portion 131. The lower tab 132 forms a substantially opaque lower portion of the doser 119 comparable to the second substantially opaque elements 11 B and 77 described above. This detail may be more fully understood by reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.

  Details of the loading channel 133 in the cartridge compartment of the beverage preparation device or instrument are shown in FIG. This loading channel 133 may normally be behind the front hatch of the device (not shown but prior art). The loading channel 133 shown in FIG. 21 is arranged to receive two supply packs or cartridges 113 or mutually different cartridges equivalent to the replaceable supply pack 9 in side by side relationship. Each supply pack or cartridge 113 (or supply pack 9) will be inserted with its doser 119 (or 11, 31 each) in the hanging position. And, as seen in FIG. 21, the loading channel 133 has first and second cavities 135A, 135B comparable to the interface portion 73 as described with reference to FIG. Similarly, the first and second cavities 135A, 135B are for receiving respective dispensers 119 of the supply pack or cartridge 113 inserted in the left or right hand portion of the loading channel 133. Each parallel portion of the loading channel 133 has a lever 137A, 137B associated with its facing first or second cavity 135A, 135B. The left hand lever 137A is shown in an unlocked position ready to receive a supply pack or cartridge 113, while the right hand lever 137B is shown in a locked position but without the cartridge inserted. Each cavity 135A, 135B has a projecting drive shaft 139A, 139B (the drive shaft 139B is hidden by the lever 137B) and female component receiving connections 141A, 141B. The drive shafts 139A, 139B and female component receiving connections 141A, 141B are each arranged to engage with the drive port 125 and the component outlet port 127 of the dispenser 119 of the associated supply pack or cartridge 113. Each of the first and second cavities 135A, 135B is enlarged by a recess comparable to the cavity 74 of the interface portion 73 of FIG. 16 to receive the substantially opaque housing portion 131 of the dispenser 119. There is. Sensors 143, 145 are disposed within the recessed enlargements of cavities 135A, 135B to detect correct cartridge placement through housing portion 131 and product availability within the supply pack or cartridge 113. The sensor indicated by reference numeral 143 is an upper transmission sensor comparable to the sensor 5 or 69 described above, while the sensor indicated by reference numeral 145 is the sensor 65 described above. It is a reflection sensor similar to. The second substantially opaque element of the dispenser 119 is the opaque tab 132 which extends from the bottom of the projecting housing portion 131 and places the second type 113 of replaceable supply pack While the projecting housing portion 131 is aligned with the common axis between the transmitter and the sensor 143, the radiation of the transmitter of the device interface 135A; 135B is first darkened by the opaque tab 132 Are placed and placed to ensure that As described above, the second substantially opaque element 132 is used for PIP sensing. When the second type 113 of the feed pack is connected to the beverage preparation device, the associated drive shaft 139A; 139B of the beverage preparation device must engage with the drive port 125 of the dispenser 119. When properly inserted into the device interface 135A; 135B, the doser 119 with the upper portion 131 faces the first or upper detector of the sensor 143, and the lower portion 132 the second or third of the sensor 143. Turn to the lower detector. A second substantially opaque element 132 is thus disposed between the transmitter and the second or lower detector of the sensor 143 during use. The effect of the alternative pack or cartridge 113 inserted into the cavity 135A or 135B with its dispenser 119 is that the substantially opaque housing portion 131 is either of the detector sensors 143 and 145 from the light sources 3, 57. It will interfere with the transmission to humans. This has the effect that the alternate supply pack or cartridge 113 always mimics product availability. Such alternative features may be handy, for example when the alternate pack or cartridge 113 is refillable at the top, while remaining connected to the beverage preparation and preparation equipment.

  By making the first substantially transparent element of the first type 11 of the dispenser 11; 31, for example the upper part 11A or the sample chamber 49, a first type 9 of exchangeable supply pack It is also possible to obtain an alternative second type of replaceable supply pack 113 by modification. This can be done, for example, by a dark coating or coating of the associated transparent parts, by providing a light absorbing cover, or by some means that removes the sensor of the device interface.

  Although various detectors are shown as sensors in the embodiments described herein, such detectors may be assemblies including lenses, light guides, optical and / or electronic filters, etc. The good thing is within the understanding of the person skilled in the art. As will also be apparent to those skilled in the art, automated detection is independent of the particular gear pump for dispensing the fluid, and alternative dosage forms may be combined with the detection system of the present invention.

  Thus, the means provided to support the automated process of feeding the beverage have been described. More specifically, the detection of the presence and contents of the replaceable supply pack (9) in the beverage preparation device is thereby automated. Pack position detection is provided by emitting light and measuring the presence of the emitted light on one light detector (7, 75), the system being absent or correct / correct of the supply pack Not determine the placement. Product availability detection is provided by detecting the intensity of light passing through the transparent element in the supply pack by means of another light detector (5; 65, 69), the system comprising Check the degree of product presence in the pack.

  It is believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be readily apparent from the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to any of the embodiments described herein, and that other embodiments contemplated within the scope of the claims are possible. Also, kinematic reversal is essentially disclosed and considered to be within the scope of the present invention. In the claims, any reference signs shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The terms "comprising" and "including", as used in this description and the claims, should be interpreted as meaning inclusive and not in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. Thus, the term "comprising" as used herein does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps in addition to the elements or steps listed in any claim. Furthermore, the words "a" or "one" should not be construed as being limited to "only", but rather are used to mean "at least one" and do not exclude a plurality . Features not specifically or explicitly described or claimed may additionally be included in the structures of the invention within the scope thereof. An expression, eg, “means for” should be read as “element configured for” or “means configured for,” and includes equivalents to the disclosed compositions. It should be interpreted as The use of the expressions "critical", "important", "preferred", "especially preferred" etc. is not intended to limit the present invention. Additions, deletions and modifications within the scope of one of ordinary skill in the art can generally be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as determined by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 supply detection apparatus 3 transmitter 5 1st detector 7 2nd detector 9 exchangeable supply pack 11, 31 doser, 2nd or pack interface 11A upper part 11B lower part 13, 73 1st or apparatus interface DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Seal 17 Spout 39 Bottom housing, Dispenser housing 41 Pump housing 43 Top cap 45, 47 Gear pinion 49 Sample chamber, transparent element 51 Stepwise / serrated structure 53 Fluid flow path 55 Divider, extension part 57 external light source 59 prism 61 external wall 63 internal inner side wall 65 reflection sensor 67 far end chamber wall 69 transmission sensor 71 prism facet 73 interface portion 75 PIP (pack placement) sensor 77 detection tab 113 second type of supply pack or cartridge 115 Container How Ding 119 Second type of dispenser 121, 123 Lateral pivot stud projection 125 Drive port 127 Component outlet port 129 Elastic annular seal 131 Protruding housing part 132 Lower tab 133 Load channel 135A, 135B Cavity 137A, 137B Lever 139A, 139B Drive shaft 141A, 141B Female component receiving connection

Claims (23)

A beverage suitable for receiving at least one replaceable supply pack first type (9) comprising a first type (11; 31) of metering and a product to be supplied in operation of the system A system comprising a preparation device, said system at least automatically detecting the presence of a first type of exchangeable supply pack and a first type of exchangeable supply pack. Equipped with the above detection means,
The detection means
A first interface (13; 73; 135A; 135B) for loading into the device,
A second interface on the first type (11; 31) of the dispenser of the first type of the replaceable supply pack, which is operatively connectable to the first interface,
A transmitter (3; 57) on said first interface for emitting radiation,
A first detector (5; 69; 143) on the first interface for detecting the presence of product in the first type of replaceable supply pack, and the first type of replaceable supply pack A second detector (7; 75) on the first interface to detect the presence of
And the second interface on the first type (11; 31) of the dispenser comprises the transmitter (3; 57) and the first and second detectors (5, 7; 69, 75) 143) and interferes with the radiation emitted by the transmitter (3; 57), the second interface of the first type of the dispenser (11; 31)
A first substantially transparent element (11A; 49) placed between the transmitter (3; 57) and the first detector (5; 69) in use, and the transmitter in use Second substantially opaque element (11B; 77) placed between (3; 57) and the second detector (7; 75)
And wherein the system further comprises a second type (119) of a dispenser operated as the second interface operably connectable to the first interface (13; 73; 135A; 135B) Comprising a second type (113) of at least one supply pack and received between the transmitter {3; 57} and the first and second detectors (5, 7; 69, 75; 143) A second type (119) of the dispenser, the second type (119) of the dispenser being substantially opaque , the first and second elements being capable of and interfering with the radiation emitted by the transmitter (3; 57). Having both an element (131) and a substantially opaque second element (132),
Above system.   The system according to claim 1, further comprising a first type (9) of the at least one replaceable supply pack.   The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is an infrared (IR) light transmitter.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is a light emitting diode (LED).   5. A method according to claim 1, further comprising verifying whether the signal generated by said first detector (5; 69; 143) is below or above a predetermined threshold. The system according to any one of the preceding claims.   When the first detector (5; 69; 143) detects radiation above a predetermined threshold in combination with the second detector (7; 75) that generates substantially no signal, 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the interval of elapsed time is considered to determine if the first type of pack placed is empty or filled but not yet opened. When the first detector (5; 69; 143) is combined with the second detector (7; 75) to generate substantially no signal to detect radiation below a predetermined threshold, The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein products are considered to be present in both the first and second types of vessels. First interface is a device interface, said second interface is a pack interface, according to claim 1 system. The system of claim 8, wherein the device interface (73) further comprises a third detector (65; 145).   The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first detector (5; 69) is arranged substantially linearly on a common axis with the transmitter (3; 57). The third detector (65; 145) is oriented perpendicular to the common axis, and an optical element (59) comprises the first detector (69) and the third detector (65; 145). 11. A system according to claim 10 , as far as dependent on claim 9 , adapted to be arranged linearly on both of. The system according to any one of claims 10 and 11 , as dependent on claims 9 and 9 , wherein the third detector is a reflection sensor. The first element is a projecting housing portion (131) and the second substantially opaque element (132) extends from the bottom of the projecting housing portion (131) opaque tab, while placing the second type of replaceable supply pack, projecting to radiation opaque tabs of the transmitter before housing portion (131) is Common axis linear (57) Positioned and arranged to ensure that it is weakened by (77) for the first time, where the common axis is such that the first detector (5; 69) substantially with the transmitter (3; 57) The system according to any one of the preceding claims , which is a linearly arranged axis . The second type of dispenser (119) comprises a pump having a driven pump pinion, the first interface being a device interface, and the device interface (73; 135A; 135B) comprises the pump pinion The system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a drive shaft (79; 139A; 139B) for driving. The second type (119) of the doser comprises a pump having a driven pump pinion, the first interface being a device interface and the device interface (73; 135A; 135B) driving the pump pinion Drive shaft (79; 139A; 139B) for detecting the tab (132) to assist the engagement of the drive shaft (79; 139A; 139B) with the pump pinion. The system according to claim 13, wherein a rotational movement of the drive shaft (79; 139A; 139B) back and forth is initiated.   In the use of the first type of replaceable supply pack suitably connected to the beverage preparation device, the presence of the product in the first type of replaceable supply pack is determined by the presence of the first type of supply pack. 16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, which is dynamically detected during the dosing cycle of the product into the beverage preparation device.   In order for the dynamic measurement algorithm to estimate the amount of air bubbles in the fluid product during the dosing cycle, and based on this estimate, whether the first type of supply pack has reached the end of its contents 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the system is configured to determine. The transmitter is a light emitting diode (LED) having a wavelength of range of 500nm~950nm囲内, according to any one of claims 1 to 17 systems.   19. The system of claim 18, wherein the transmitter has an output angle of about 3 degrees.   The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first detector (69) has a receiving angle in the range of 16 to 24 degrees.   The system according to claim 12, wherein the third detector (65; 145) is a reflection sensor and has a reception angle in the range of 16 to 24 degrees. 22. A kit of parts comprising a second type of dispenser and a second type container housing of the at least one supply pack, wherein the second type of dispenser comprises the system of claims 1 to 21. Alternative to the first type of the dispenser, and comprising a drive port and a component outlet port on its bottom surface, and a projecting substantially opaque housing part.
Above kit.   A second type of replaceable supply pack comprising the kit of parts of claim 22 in an assembled arrangement.

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